Western Tech. president pledges support of Paris Climate accord
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WTC has reached over $1.4 million in energy savings since Paris agreement.

Despite the President Donald Trump pulling the U.S. out of the Paris climate agreement, Western Technical College is not.

WTC president Lee Rasch, this week, signed a letter to continue to support sustainability efforts.

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WTC joins an alliance of colleges, business leaders, mayors and governors across the county, pledging to continue their commitment to the planet and reduce greenhouse emissions as part of the Paris accord.

The coalition, organized by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and environmental advocacy group Second Nature, which is leading the effort in higher education, plans to negotiate with the United Nations on how to re-enter the Paris agreement.

“We feel it is important to take a position on this vital global issue and we must lead by example,” Rasch said in a statement. “Furthermore, our community is supportive of the sustainability efforts at Western. Simply put, we feel our signature support is the right thing to do.”

Rasch was a charter signatory to the Presidents Climate Commitment in 2007 and renewed the commitment in 2016.

“Since the initial agreement, Western has reached over $1.4 million is energy savings, received LEED Certification on eight buildings," Rasch said, "implemented training on hydro power and passive house design, and created a culture that embraces sustainable changes."

More than 190 college and university leaders have declared their intent to continue to ensure the U.S. remains a global leader by stating, “We are still in.”